RATHA AND THISTLE-CHASER

by Clare Bell ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1990

In Bell's third fantasy about the Named, Ratha--the leader of the colony of intelligent wild cats--is forced to confront her past deeds and present perspectives. On a drought-inspired search for new grazing ground, Thakur (Ratha's chief advisor and friend) discovers a strange wild cat living as a companion of a herd of seamares near the coast. Intrigued, he discovers that the animal (who calls herself Newt) is capable of speech. As he learns more about her, he begins to suspect that Newt is, in fact, one of Ratha's cubs, cast aside long ago because she seemed to have no sign of speaking capability. When Ratha leads the other Named to the new grazing ground, she is confronted with the cruelty of her own prejudices; meanwhile, Newt--now Thistle-Chaser--must deal with her own longstanding anger at the unjust treatment she received earlier. As with the others in the series, this can be read as an allegory; it also stands on its own as intriguing, well-written fantasy/adventure.

Pub Date: March 1, 1990

ISBN: 0974560383

Page Count: 288

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry/Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S